What makes Pentimento by Jessica Molaskey notable?

Pentimento received critical acclaim for its fresh takes on American songbook classics, highlighting Molaskey's strong vocal delivery and interpretive skills. The album helped solidify her reputation as a significant figure in contemporary jazz during the early 2000s, often praised by critics for its blend of nostalgia and innovation. Released in 2002, Pentimento was Jessica Molaskey's sophomore album, following her debut, which showcased her distinct vocal prowess. At this point in her career, she was gaining recognition in the jazz scene for her interpretations of traditional songs and her ability to breathe new life into them.

How many songs are on Pentimento?

Pentimento has 17 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Pentimento

Jessica Molaskey · 2002

45 min · 17 tracks · jazz

A nostalgic journey through classic jazz standards, blending heartfelt vocals with vibrant instrumental arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I'm Always Chasing Rainbows — This track stands out for its emotional depth, showcasing Molaskey's ability to convey longing through delicate phrasing and rich tonal colors.
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You Made Me Love You — The arrangement on this track elevates a well-known standard, allowing Molaskey's expressive voice to shine while interpreting the lyrics with a fresh perspective.
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Look for the Silver Lining — Molaskey's interpretation transforms this classic into an uplifting anthem, reflecting resilience with a sophisticated yet accessible vocal performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant arrangements with heartfelt vocals but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate playful tempo shifts, particularly in the transitions between verses and choruses, adding a dynamic feel.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat selections.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I'm Always Chasing Rainbows

The narrative shifts from wistful hopefulness to a stark acknowledgment of lost dreams towards the end of the song.

This transition reflects a complex emotional arc, moving from innocence to a more mature understanding of reality, enhancing the overall thematic depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Oh, You Beautiful Doll 2:44
2 I'm Just Wild About Harry 3:02
3 Ain't We Got Fun 3:06
4 What'll I Do 3:31
5 With Plenty of Money and You / We're in the Money 3:22
6 Waitin' For the Train to Come In 2:29
7 Red, Red Robin 2:42
8 By the Beautiful Sea 1:57
9 I'm Always Chasing Rainbows 2:49
10 Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning 2:46
11 You Made Me Love You 4:12
12 I Tried Too Hard for Too Long 1:50
13 When I Lost You 1:05
14 Look for the Silver Lining 1:55
15 I Can't Give You Anything but Love 3:18
16 Beautiful Dreamer 1:37
17 Sail Away 2:57

What to play next

Listen next

A Good Day

2003

Go back to

At the Algonquin

Full Jessica Molaskey discography Artists like Jessica Molaskey

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata